Covered rain gutter system

ABSTRACT

A covered, multi-compartment rain gutter that mounts to facia to collect water upon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surface dynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passage of undesirable debris, and wherein a straining member further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collection compartment.

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Utilitypatent application Ser. No. 11/234,589, filed Sep. 23, 2005, entitled“Covered Rain Gutter System,” and to the fullest extent permitted bylaw, claims priority to and the benefit thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to rain water collectiondevices, and more particularly, to a one-piece rain gutter and coverunit, wherein the gutter is a three-dimensional structure that receiveswater from a mounted position under the extended end of a roof, whereina springedly-held grating system essentially eliminates clogging ofdownspouts by inhibiting the accumulation of leaves, and wherein anintegrated mounting system provides secure placement and support for thegrating and the gutter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous types of gutters are available for use, wherein a commonproblem to many, if not all such rain collection devices is theundesirable accumulation of debris and the resulting inhibition fromproper functioning. Further, once cluttered with debris, most currentdesigns do not facilitate cleaning, especially those adapted withcovers.

Gutter covers are intended to impede the collection of leaves and otherdebris and thereby prevent the clogging of the gutter and downspoutsystem. Some such covers are adapted to be retrofitted onto existinggutters. Others are integrated into a specific gutter design. However,each is disadvantageous in view of the present invention.

Several gutter designs exist wherein grates or screens act as the cover,or as the major component of the upper surface thereof. Although suchscreens and/or grates can prevent leaves or other debris from enteringthe gutter rainwater collection compartment, accumulated debris on topof the screens and/or grates can become a problem because collectedrainwater must pass through these grates or screens to enter the maingutter compartment.

Another type of cover attempts to carry undesirable debris over theoutside of the gutter by directing the flow of water over a series ofridges and down into an open topped gutter via increase surface tension,wherein larger debris is not intended to be directed therewith.Unfortunately, relying solely on such forces does not prevent thepassage of all debris.

Additionally, irrespective of the type of gutter and/or cover structure,the method by which the gutter is fastened to the building is critical,not only to the effectiveness of the gutter at redirecting rainwater,but also to the structural integrity of the guttered building. That is,over time, most traditionally mounted gutters begin to pull away fromthe wall, or facia. This phenomenon can result in rainwater creepingbehind the gutter, potentially causing water damage to the structure.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a rain gutterand cover unit that receives water from a mounted position under theextended end of the roof, wherein a strainer-style debris blockingsystem essentially eliminates the collection of unwanted leaves, seedsand other clogging materials, wherein easy access to the gutterrainwater collection compartment is facilitated, and wherein a mountingsystem provides support for secure, flush placement, thereby avoidingthe above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present inventionovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for such a device by providing a covered rain gutter system,wherein a tiered upper surface and an arcuate outer edge surfaceencourage the adhesion of rainwater while propelling large objectstherefrom, wherein a side-mounted, springedly-held grating allows thepassage of rainwater, inhibits passage of small debris pieces, andfacilitates access to the main gutter compartment for maintenance, andwherein an incorporated mounting system facilitates uniform structuralsupport and easy installation.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferredform, the present invention is a covered rain gutter that mounts tofacia via an internally held mount support bracket, to collect waterupon exit from the peripheral edge of a roof structure, wherein surfacedynamics facilitate the collection of rainwater and minimize the passageof undesirable debris to a straining-type system, wherein a grillemember further limits the passage of debris into the gutter collectioncompartment, and wherein the overall structural design facilitatesaccess to the gutter collection compartment for cleaning or othermaintenance.

More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferredform is a covered rain gutter system with a mount structure enablingflush and secure placement relative to facia, wherein an internalbracket support member is secured via a threaded fastener to the facia,wherein an internal fastener port is defined to extend from the guttermounting surface essentially across the depth of the gutter, therebysupporting the shell of the gutter and securing the gutter mountingsurface to the facia.

In the preferred form, the gutter body is a uniquely shaped, multicompartment unit with upper cover compartments essentially divided byinternal gutter mount structure and a lower rainwater collectioncompartment, also essentially sub-divided by internal gutter mountstructure, wherein the upper surface of the cover compartmentincorporates a multi-waterfall shape to reverse rivuletting, and theouter edge of the cover compartment defines an arcuate surface toprovide increased adhesion of collected rainwater while propelling largeobjects from the cover surface. The arcuate outer edge of the covercompartment thus serves to facilitate the continued adhesion ofcollected water, thereby facilitating the unimpeded passage of thecollected rainwater, without undesirable matter, into the rainwatercollection compartment.

The preferred grate, or stripping and screening structure is aspringedly-related elongated member, wherein the first or upper endthereof is positioned proximate a recess defined below the arcuate outeredge of the cover compartment, and wherein the second or lower end ispivotally held proximate the upper edge of the collection compartment,facilitating the secure, hingedly movable positioning of the strippingand screening structure, extending between the two compartments. Thehinged nature of the grating, or stripping and screening structure,facilitates easy access therebehind, should such access becomenecessary. Further, the grate-like design facilitates the stripping ofdebris away from the gutter, thus enabling screening of potentiallyclogging materials.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tofacilitate uniform gutter support via secure mounting to the faciaboard.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tobe easily installed.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tomaintain gutter positioning close to the support structure, therebylimiting water creepage therebehind.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to essentially eliminate the collection of unwanted debris.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to facilitate easy access behind the gutter rainwater collectioncompartment.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be mounted to facia below the extended end of a roof.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is itsability to be secured to facia board via a support member thatcoincidently reinforces the gutter structure.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability tominimize debris collection on the gutter grate or screen.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsdenote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the covered rain gutter systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away perspective view of the covered rain gutter systemof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of a covered rain gutter system,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showingan alternate gutter unit shape and an alternate grate member; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a covered rain gutter system,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentinvention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein,specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplishsimilar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention in the preferredembodiment is covered rain gutter system 10, comprisingmulti-compartment gutter unit 20, grate member 60, and mount system 100.Preferably, multi-compartment gutter unit 20 is defined by upper cover22 and lower rainwater collection compartment 24, wherein grate member60 extends therebetween, wherein mount system 100 is defined by internalfastener port 102, bracket support frame 104, and threaded fastener 106,and wherein internal fastener port 102 is defined to extend from guttermounting surface 34 essentially across the depth of gutter 10, therebysupporting the exterior of gutter 10 and coincidently securing guttermounting surface 34 to the facia.

In the preferred form, gutter unit 20 is uniquely shaped, wherein upperwall 26 of cover compartment 22 incorporates a multi-waterfall shape toreverse rivuletting of passing rainwater. Although a multi-waterfallshape is preferred, as depicted in FIGS. 1-2, a greater or lesser numberof waterfall shapes could be incorporated in lieu of as depicted.Preferably, outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 defines an arcuateshape, whereby surface 28 a facilitates adhesion of collected rainwaterwhile propelling large objects therefrom. Surface 28 a of outer edge 28of cover compartment 22 thus serves to direct, uninterruptedly, thecollected rainwater essentially following the arcuate path of surface 28a, wherein grate member 60 is preferably positioned to strip debris andthereby facilitate passage of the collected rainwater, withoutundesirable matter, into rainwater collection compartment 24.

Preferably, outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22 defines mount recess30, preferably adapted to receive first or upper end 64 of grate member60 therein. Extending below mount recess 30, lower closure wall 32 ofcover compartment 22 preferably extends in an angularly variable fashionto bracket support frame 104, wherein the angular variation of lowerclosure wall 32 preferably defines male support mount 36, and wherein,preferably, upper wall 26, lower wall 32, rear wall 34 and bottom wall46 of gutter 10 are integrally formed. In this preferred arrangement, asmount recess 30 functionally engages upper end 64 of grate member 60,grate member 60 is preferably hingedly related to bracket support frame104, functionally supporting cover compartment 22 relative to gutterunit 20.

In the preferred form, rainwater collection compartment 24 is definedproximate and partially below bracket support frame 104, wherein bottommember 105 is a component of and preferably integrally related tobracket support frame 104. Preferably, lower rainwater collectioncompartment 24 is integrally related to upper cover compartment 22,wherein rainwater collection compartment 24 is preferably defined asextending from distal end 47, to bottom wall 46, and to rear wall 42,wherein upper cover compartment 22 is preferably defined as extendingfrom rear wall 34, to upper wall 26, and to male support mount 36, andwherein together, the compartments 24 and 22 preferably essentially andintegrally define the exterior structure gutter unit 20. Preferably,bottom wall 44 defines support shelf 49, proximate rear wall 42,defining base mount 48. Also preferably, distal end 47 defines hookmount 35, wherein preferably, distal end 47 is generally arcuatelyconfigured to facilitate hook-like engagement with bracket support frame104.

Preferably, grate member 60 extends between recess mount 30 and hingedmount 52, as a springedly-related elongated member, wherein first orupper end 62 thereof is positioned proximate recess mount 30 definedbelow arcuate outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22, and wherein secondor lower end 66 is pivotally held proximate bracket support frame 104,facilitating the secure, hingedly movable positioning of the strippingand screening structure, extending between the two compartments, whereinthe hinged nature of the grating, or stripping and screening structure,facilitates easy access therebehind, should such access becomenecessary.

Preferably, plurality of elongated bars 68 define grate member 60,thereby facilitating the collection and adherence of rainwater to thesurface area thereof, and the passage of collected rainwatertherethrough and into rainwater collection compartment 24, whilecoincidently preventing the passage of debris. It is important to notethat although it is convenient to refer to grate member 60 as a grate,this word choice is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is,grate member 60 could be any suitable strainer, sieve, filter, screen,porous trap, mesh, web, lattice, and/or grille-type structure capable offacilitating the stripping away of undesirable debris while permittingthe passage of water therethrough.

Preferably, grate member 60 is hingedly held between recess mount 30 andhinged mount 52, wherein user access into rainwater collectioncompartment 24 is enabled without necessitating complete removal ofgrate member 60. It is noted, however, that in an alternate embodiment,grate member 60 could be fully removable.

Preferred mount system 100 is defined by internal fastener port 102,bracket support frame 104, and threaded fastener 106, wherein, as notedhereinabove, internal fastener port 102 preferably extends from guttermounting surface 34 essentially across the depth of gutter 10, therebysupporting the exterior of gutter 10 and coincidently securing guttermount surface 34 to the facia. Preferably, internal fastener port 102 isa threaded cylinder adapted for receipt of threaded fastener 106,wherein first end 102 a of internal fastener port 102 carries spring 103for hinged support of grate 60, and wherein first end 102 a of internalfastener port 102 also carries reception port 37 for supportivelyreceiving male support mount 36 therein.

Bracket support frame 104 is preferably defined as extending fromreception port 37, to upper support truss 54, to upper end 55 of rearwall 34, to lower end 57 of rear wall 42, to hook mount 35, and to gratesupport edge 59. In this manner, bracket support frame 104 supports theouter gutter structure, as defined by compartments 22 and 24, whilecoincidently functioning as the structural basis for the attachmentmechanism, namely threaded fastener 106.

It is important to understand that the preferred structure of thepresent invention not only facilitates the clog-free collection ofrainwater, but enables the preferred dual-support mount system forsecure placement and gutter reinforcement. Thus, while the foregoingembodiment of covered rain gutter system 10 is preferred, otherembodiments and adaptations are anticipated wherein equivalentfunctionality of components are provided.

In the preferred use, threaded fastener 106 is secured through gutterunit 20 and into the facia board F of a house or building at anappropriate position relative to the roof R, wherein rear walls 34 and42 are generally flush against facia board F. Rainwater is collectedupon exit from roof R onto upper wall 26 of cover compartment 22,wherein surface dynamics encourage the adhesion of rainwater, arcuateouter edge 28 of cover compartment 22 propels large objects therefrom.Upper end 64 of grate member 60 receives the collected rainwater,wherein elongated bars 68 are configured to perform a strippingfunction, permitting the collected rainwater, without undesirablematter, to pass into rainwater collection compartment 24. Thus, afterthe rainwater travels the arcuate outer edge 28 of cover compartment 22,upper end 64 of preferred length of elongated bars 68 facilitatescontinued rainwater adhesion, essentially uninterruptedly, intorainwater collection compartment 24.

Referring now to FIG. 2, grate member 60 is preferably formed fromplurality of elongated bars 68, wherein cross-support member 72functions to maintain plurality of elongated bars 68 in relativeposition. Also preferably, each bar of plurality of elongated bars 68 isgenerally cylindrically-shaped to enhance stripping abilities. However,any other suitable shape could be utilized such as, for exemplarypurposes only, prismatic.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an alternate embodiment, outer edge28 of cover compartment 22 could exclude mount recess 30 (defined in thepreferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the arcuate nature ofsurface 28 a at outer edge 28 could facilitate the uninterrupted passageof collected rainwater along an extended arcuate path. Such aconfiguration facilitates incorporation of alternate grate 260.

Alternate elongated bars 268 define a J-shape cross-section for gratemember 260, wherein long end 261 a extends essentially between outeredge 28 of cover compartment 22 and trough mount 252, wherein first orupper end 262 thereof is generally pointed, and wherein second or lowerend 266 is tightly held within trough mount 252 via pressure plate 265.Alternate grate member 260 is thus formed from plurality of J-shapedelongated bars 268, wherein cross-support member 272 functions tosupportively maintain plurality of elongated bars 268 in relativeposition. Pressure plate 265 is adjustably secured to upright supportwall 253 of trough mount 252, wherein short end 261 b of J-shapedcross-section of grate member 260 essentially abuts thereagainst.

Alternate bracket support frame 204 includes alternate bottom member205, wherein three angularly-related component members 205 a, 205 b and205 c essentially define the shape of one half of a hexagon, withcentral component member 205 b supportively abutting internal fastenerport 102. Additionally, distal end 47 of rainwater collectioncompartment 24 could be alternately configured, wherein hook mount 35could be angularly defined, in lieu of arcuately configured,incorporating first corner 235 a, second corner 235 b, upper lip surface235 c, and inner lip surface 235 d.

Internal fastener port 102 could be defined to extend in an angularfashion from gutter mounting surface 34, essentially upwardly, acrossthe depth of gutter 10, wherein base support 103 could be incorporated,with mount medium 107 included therein, proximate second end 102 b ofinternal fastener port 102. In this embodiment, alternate bracketsupport frame 204 continues to be defined as extending from receptionport 37, however, reception port 37 is defined below alternate internalfastener port 102, in lieu of above, as defined in the preferredembodiment previously described hereinabove. Further, alternate supporttruss 254 is shaped to receive interior waterfall conformation, andextending essentially straight therefrom to upper end 55 of rear wall34.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in another alternate embodiment, outer edge 28a of cover compartment 22 could include periodic grate mount apertures302, for receiving alternate grate 360. Alternate elongated bars 368 areessentially straight; however, periodic key-shaped elongated bars 369are defined, at least one at each end of alternate grate 360, in orderto facilitate installation thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in another alternate embodiment, lowerrainwater collection compartment 24 is alternately defined with bottomwall 446 defining an essentially trough-shaped, or “pseudo-V”configuration. Such a shape facilitates the funneling, via gravity, ofany small debris, if inadvertently collected into gutter 20, into thetrough area, thereby rendering gutter system 10 to be self-cleaning,wherein any debris collected therein would be washed out with subsequentrain, via the trough.

Additionally, gutter unit 20 could be formed without support shelf 49(as depicted in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2), whereinalternate bottom member 405 could include extended support leg 407.

In another alternate embodiment, gutter unit 20 could be defined by aplurality of components, in lieu of integral formation.

In another alternate embodiment, a plurality of elongated aperturescould be defined in grate member 60, wherein a plurality ofdiamond-profile teeth could be alternately spaced therewith, wherein thediamond-profile could facilitate the passage of collected rainwaterthrough the plurality of elongated apertures and into rainwatercollection compartment 24, while coincidently discouraging adherence ofleaves or other debris material.

In another alternate embodiment, grate 60 could be retained in anopenable, yet closed position via a springless mechanism, and/or couldbe adapted to open from either above or below, depending upon therelative positioning of the hinge mechanism.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the internally held mount supportbracket of the present invention could be comprised of multiple,interrelated component members in lieu of integral formation.

It yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention, otherappropriate fasteners may be utilized in lieu of a threaded fastener forsecuring gutter unit 20 to the facia, such as, for exemplary purposesonly, expansion bolts, adhesives, nails, or any other suitable securingmeans capable of retaining gutter unit 20 securely in position relativeto the facia.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A rain gutter device, comprising: a gutter unit having an outer shellcomprising a cover and a collection compartment, a mount system, saidmount system carried within said gutter unit, said mount system securingsaid gutter unit in an installed position relative to a roof, and saidmount system internally reinforcing said gutter unit, and a grate, saidgrate carried by said internal mount system on an exposed face of saidgutter unit.
 2. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said mountsystem comprises an internal support bracket, an internal fastener port,and a fastener.
 3. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said coverdefines an upper surface with a plurality of arcuate variations.
 4. Therain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said cover defines an uppersurface with a plurality of step-like variations.
 5. The rain gutterdevice of claim 1, wherein said grate is hingedly held.
 6. The raingutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate is removable.
 7. The raingutter device of claim 2, wherein said grate is springedly held, andwherein said mount system further comprises a spring.
 8. The rain gutterdevice of claim 1, further comprising a support plate, wherein saidgrate is carried by said support plate.
 9. The rain gutter device ofclaim 1, wherein said cover and a portion of said mount system togetherdefine the boundaries of said cover compartment.
 10. The rain gutterdevice of claim 1, wherein said collection compartment and a portion ofsaid mount system together define the boundaries of said collectioncompartment.
 11. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said covercompartment, wherein said cover and said collection compartment aresecured together.
 12. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein saidcover and said collection compartment of said gutter unit are integrallyformed.
 13. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said grate isdefined by a plurality of elongated bars and at least one cross-supportmember.
 14. The rain gutter device of claim 13, wherein said pluralityof elongated bars are J-shaped.
 15. The rain gutter device of claim 1,wherein said grate defines an arcuate cross-section and is carried in agenerally extended position relative said gutter unit.
 16. The raingutter device of claim 1, wherein said gutter unit is defined by aplurality of components, wherein said plurality of components comprisesan integrally formed cover and collection compartment and a hookedconnection member, whereby said hooked connection member functionallydefines and separates said cover compartment and said collectioncompartment.
 17. The rain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said gratedefines a partial “C”-shape cross-section.
 18. The rain gutter device ofclaim 17, wherein said grate is defined by a plurality ofdiamond-profile teeth and a plurality of elongated apertures.
 19. Therain gutter device of claim 1, wherein said collection compartmentfurther comprises a trough-shaped base.
 20. A covered rain gutterdevice, comprising: a cover compartment with an undulating uppersurface, a collection compartment, a sieve-like member, and an internalmount system comprising a centrally defined fastening aperture,opposingly positioned bracket support members, and a fastener, whereinsaid sieve-like member is hingedly carried by said mount system.
 21. Thecovered rain gutter device of claim 20, wherein said cover compartmentand said collection compartment are integrally formed.
 22. The coveredrain gutter device of claim 20, wherein said internal mount systemfurther comprises a spring in a tension-relationship with saidsieve-like member.
 23. The covered rain gutter device of claim 20,wherein said sieve-like member further comprises a plurality ofkey-shaped members, said cover compartment further comprises a pluralityof key-receiving apertures, and wherein said sieve-like member iscarried proximate said gutter device via said key-shaped members.